North Carolina

Carolina Gold Fried Chicken

This Tar Heel State treasure combines perfectly crispy Southern fried chicken with a luxurious honey drizzle. The "Carolina Gold" name comes from both the golden color of the crispy crust and the amber honey glaze that makes this chicken absolutely irresistible.

⏱ Total 1hr 45min 🍴 Serves 6 🍯 Honey Drizzled ⭐ Southern Classic

Equipment Needed

🍳 Large Cast Iron Skillet
🥣 Mixing Bowls
🌡 Thermometer
🥚 Wire Rack
🍴 Small Saucepan

Instructions

1

Marinate the chicken: Combine buttermilk and hot sauce. Add chicken pieces, cover, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.

2

Prepare the seasoned flour: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and black pepper.

3

Make the Carolina Gold honey drizzle: In a small saucepan, combine honey, butter, cayenne, and salt. Warm over low heat until butter melts and mixture is smooth. Keep warm.

Tip: North Carolina sourwood honey is prized for its light, delicate flavor. It's perfect for this recipe, but any quality local honey works beautifully.
4

Heat the oil: Pour oil into a large cast iron skillet to 1 inch depth. Heat to 350°F (175°C). Monitor with a thermometer.

5

Dredge the chicken: Remove chicken from buttermilk, let excess drip off. Coat thoroughly in seasoned flour, pressing firmly. Rest on wire rack 5 minutes.

6

Fry the chicken: Place chicken pieces skin-side down in hot oil. Don't overcrowd. Fry 12-15 minutes per side until deep golden brown and internal temp reaches 165°F.

7

Drain: Transfer fried chicken to a wire rack. Let drain for 2 minutes while still hot.

8

Apply the honey drizzle: While chicken is hot, drizzle generously with the warm Carolina Gold honey mixture. Let it drip down the sides naturally.

9

Second drizzle: Wait 2 minutes, then apply a second drizzle of honey for maximum sweetness and that gorgeous golden sheen.

10

Serve immediately: Arrange on a platter and serve hot with extra honey on the side. Pair with biscuits, coleslaw, and sweet tea for a true North Carolina meal.

💡 Pro Tips & Variations

  • Use North Carolina honey: Sourwood honey from the Blue Ridge Mountains is the state's signature honey and adds authentic flavor.
  • Hot honey variation: Increase cayenne in the drizzle to 1/2 teaspoon for a hot honey version that's trending in NC restaurants.
  • Don't overheat the honey: Warm it gently - overheated honey loses its delicate flavors.
  • Drizzle while hot: The honey adheres best and creates that signature glaze when applied to hot chicken.
  • Serve with biscuits: North Carolina biscuits are perfect for sopping up extra honey drizzle.
  • Leftover chicken: The honey glaze keeps the chicken moist even when cold. Great for picnics!
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